Having been a bit depressed by everyone claiming they weren't enjoying it this year, I thought I'd make an Ian Dury-style list of reasons why I am enjoying it:

1. There is no clear winner at all this year. Even last year, which I think was up for debate til the final, the pool of people who looked like real contenders after the first few weeks was much smaller than this year.

I'm loving the variety of the people who have scored high so far this year and am interested to see how things develop for them.

2. This seems to be the first year where just about everyone is taking it as seriously as they can. No 'comedy' candidates here - even Messrs Tufnell and Groves have made no secret of their desire to do well, despite their cheery personas.

This can only make for better dancing and a real sense that nobody is trying to 'play' the crowd every week.

3. I'm loving the new girls, who I think have injected a real spice into the pro routines (and given everyone something to complain about other than how much they hate Karen and how weak Camilla's choreography has become ).

Seriously though, they all have distinct personalities and are doing a great job as all-rounders (I've never been totally convinced by, e.g., Kristina's ballroom).

OK, so that's only 3 reasons, but they'll do for now.

*round of applause* c'mon people find your hidden positivity

I like the fact that:

Brendan's become pink & fluffy and the kind of nice young man that I want to knit jumpers for & pinch his cheeks.

Olla is funny! Who knew? Her & Chris had me in stitches watching ITT.

Ian W has teamed up with the wardrobe department to provide us with those legendary red trews

Erin seems so relaxed and gracious and actually looks like she's enjoying herself.

SCD's going to Blackpool again. Ballroom-tastic!

Excellent idea!

Here are my reasons:

1) The ITT shows are MUCH improved. (Hope I don't jinx it by saying it here)

2) The overall standards of the celeb dancers are higher, while so far the scores are not as inflated as series 5 or 6.

3) I really like that there are no clear front runners yet. No doubt the 'obvious' ones are Ricky W, Ali and Zoe, but Chris, Zoe and Jade are all doing really well and are very likeable.

Here is mine

Chris and Ola on ITT and in the training room.....I hope he stays in for ages so that we can enjoy it more and possibly see them on tour.

Ricky G and Erin....lovely to see her so relaxed and smiling again I enjoy them on ITT and on the dance floor.

No superfans or ask len (YET) on ITT and more training footage.

No Sunday show (but do with they would have a half an hour break between the main show and the results)

I'd add two reasons -

1. I like ALL the celebs - some more than others, but there is nobody getting on not wick.

2. After last year I am just LOVING it all!

I nearly added that one as well Buddy, but didn't want to get greedy.

I think my exact wording was 'I do not want to stab any of this year's celebs in the eye with a pencil'

I ESPECIALLY love the fact that we get to see lovely Matt throwing everything he's got about with Aliona in the pro and solo dances

Loving that the majority of contestants this year are really having to actually learn to dance from scratch, rather than being able to do it already

Loving that Brendan is showing his inner pussycat.

Loving ITT this year - has improved so so much and Claudia is as ever my girl-crush.

There. That's my positives!

1) I like the celebs this year, compared to last year which felt a little likable-free. I think everyone has got something going for them.

2) We've seen some really good dancing so far, and it's still fairly early on! I know people say there are some celebs that are too good and there's nothing better then watching a journey, but they also something about just watching natural dancers, dancing with the potential to getting up to excellent/wow by the end

3) IIT has been fabulous - minimal filler, lots of training footage, interviews, proper backstage peeks (I loved the dresses segment, and the lighting segment, and loved following the runner...just all of it!)

1. Agree, new girls have brought a new zest, especially to the pro dances.

2. They seem (hope it's not just a fluke) to have got rid of the worst screechy singer.

3. Camerawork has improved - not perfect, perhaps, but def better.

4. I just love Strictly!

It's funny because so far this is my favourite series for a LONG time. I'm totally engaged with the whole thing.
[list] I really like the mix of dancers and that there is no obvious favourite[/list][list] ITT has become unmissable again (I haven't watched so avidly since series 4)[/list][list]I'm enjoying these forums again (even if there are some suspicious postings), and have probably more in these past weeks than I have for the past two series.[/list]

1.) It’s Strictly, baby! I love this show, I really do, I’m always happy when Strictly season starts.

2.) There are several couples I’m rooting for rather than putting all my hope in one couple, meaning I won’t be heartbroken when/ if my favourite goes out.

3.) Blackpool! I’m so excited they are going to the proper ballroom again.

1:I am loving ITT this year , and love the Friday show

2: I am happy to see a few couples vie for the top spot and this year I would be happy for at least 4 of them to win .
3; Ola is great craic this year

4: So far I havnt been outraged at anyone being voted off ( I did say so far )

i'm loving that Anton has a partner who can dance

I'm loving watching it all live (oops, is that coz OH is away, eeekkk)

I'm loving so many pro dance demos

(and more)

I have warmed to Alesha

ITT has more backstage and less waffle

I nearly named names, but managed to resist!

Vincent

Strictly wouldn't be the same without him.